Day After Daddy’s Birthday

I’m almost caught up. Cave adventures today. Sorry the boat was blazing speed and you wanted to go home. You did good though. You weren’t a cry baby like your cousin. 

You ate good at dinner too. And the nice waiter gave you a treat. I don’t like that you don’t listen and stepped in poop. It’s very frustrating that you think everything is a contest. It’s good in some respect that you want to win, but you need to learn the wisdom of when it’s important and when it’s not. And you just raced Finley again…smh

HBD Daddy 45th

Every time I saw or hear that I’m reminded of the presidency. This is the 47th president we had and also the 45th. That’s today’s lesson, sometimes doing the right thing also means doing things that some people won’t like. I hope you never have super difficult decisions to make in life. If you do, I hope you do the right thing. My logic generally is to try to make a positive impact on the most people. But I also realize that isn’t always easy and sometimes hurts yourself or people you care about. 

 

Thanks for being Cha Cha and Boba Chop. You’re great gifts most of the time. Sorry, I’m a losser internationally with the lottery. Maybe we’ll try again. You should also keep trying to be good. Stop hitting people and listen to your parents the first time. 

Welcome To Portugal

That’s what T-Mobile said when we landed. That’s your lesson for today. Take advantage of deals to save money and time so you’ll have those resources for other things. 

I still don’t like the food here and I’m sure you don’t. It’s nice that they cater to and have kid meals for you. Which is acceptable. But mommy tries to have you eat with us. That’s what the French do. Their kids aren’t difficult as a result. On the plus side, at least there’s always gelato, but it’s not as cheap as it was in Italy…

Long Beach Bound

Then Portimao. I glad to see you’re having so much fun and getting along with your Godbrother Z. I hope that you’re able to see them for longer when we get back from Portimao. Hopefully you have a good flight. I know you’re gonna want to go home, but maybe seeing your other cousins will delay that feeling. 

I always say that you’re so fortunate and you don’t even know it. Which is kind of true, but I realize that ignorance is also bliss. Anyhow, I’m sorry there won’t be any pictures to post until we get back since I can’t figure out how to access my account. I’ll ask Uncle Alex. That’s today’s advice. Ask Uncle Alex.

August 27

I sent your photos to Bac in Syracuse. That’s how cute you are. You bring people joy just by your presence.

While your cuteness does a lot. Your presence is important too. That’s why it’s important that you’re in a good mood and nice to people when we see them. Who knows how their day/life is going and when you might see them again. Give them the gift of you they deserve. You have the power to be the sun in sunshine for the world.

Work, Work

I remember playing a computer game a long time ago where one of the characters would say this. Just like any other Wednesday before, I dropped you off at So and I went to work in the office. I hope that by the time you read this, I will be retired by my own choice and not working on a Wednesday. I don't mind driving you to school still.

We got a new booth. Hopefully, it will make the expos a little easier to deal with. Anyhow. I know I don't like having to bribe you to do things you should be doing anyways, but for the time being it gets the job done. Eventually, you'll need to do the right thing without any incentives other than it being the right thing. 

Lesson for the day: tough choices today, easier life tomorrow...

Packing It Up

Three more days until we're in So Cal. The next thing you know, we'll be in Portugal. And before you know it, we'll be back home again. Let's try to get a head start on everything. I told mommy that we're going to be fancy and eat out tomorrow and Thursday so we don't have leftovers in the fridge. I will try my best to clear out what I can. Sorry I finished all the noodles, but there's still beef left.

That's today's lesson. Get things done as soon as you can. When you put things off, they inevitably get deprioritized by newer and "more urgent" things. Right now, I'm going to do some work I could easily do tomorrow. Not because I have to, but because I can and I don't know what could come up tomorrow that will hinder my work. I do need to make sure I catch up on sleep though. Have to drive to Long Beach Thursday night...

Monday Fun Day

For Daddy, but not for Vinh and Mommy? Daddy got to check out Uncle Eric's new house. Do you remember going there? We played MJ pretty late and I was not able to put you to bed, but as promised, I did wake up with you. Although, I forgot where you put your present.

Only a few more days before we head to So Cal and then Portugal. I hope you and mommy have a great trip. Sorry that Ong and Ba could not make it. I know you like to see them. We'll see them for Christmas. As promised, I'll pick you up tomorrow from So. Maybe we can go get beach supplies together. Sometimes I feel like these posts are random. I will try to make them more substantive. 

Thought for the day: Work Hard, Play Hard. Life is about balance. 

I played pretty hard today, but I work harder.

Sunday Fun Day

Why did we have to go to church in the evening? Because we partied too hard on Saturday night. Hopefully, mommy and you enjoyed the extra sleep. We did get a lot done though. Sorry the food took so long, but you did good eating (although you didn't completely feed yourself). Might as well enjoy the Vietnamese food while you can. It'll be a while before you have any asian food probably (#portugal).

I hope you know how lucky you are. Loved and lots of access. My life wasn't as glamorous or easy. I can't remember anyone doting on me as a child. Hopefully, we don't ruin you. Archimedes said that he was able to see farther than anyone because he stood on the shoulder of giants. Or maybe it was someone else. Anyhow, I hope you get further and happier in life than we do. Otherwise, I feel like all our efforts are a waste...

Double Trouble

I went golfing today to a place I hadn't been to in a while. The lady in the clubhouse remembered me (actually my origami). It wasn't as nice as I remembered. Maybe it's because Bac Tao was still golfing when I last went and that made me a little sad. Anywho, I had a decent round. We had (2) parties today and we say the twins. Sorry I didn't have any photos. I guess it's good and means that we were focused on enjoying the time. Which reminds me. I think you have good emotional intelligence. I hope you develop and keep it.

Uncle Wynn threw a putter in this pond by the way. Sorry I didn't sleep with you last night. You do not hit mommy or anyone unless you're defending yourself okay? Use your emotional intelligence, not just your emotions. Weekends go by so fast. We'll be in Portugal in a week. Crazy right?

Drive In Friday

I thought I posted this. Odd. I guess I'll have to write a new post. It's very tiring to be with you all the time. I know how much you enjoy your time with me, so I have to always keep that in mind. I hope you forgive me when I need a break. I know you didn't ask to be here. Because of that, it's our responsibility to make your life as awesome as possible until you become an adult. Hopefully, by that time, you'll be able to make your own life possible and be happy that you're here.

I enjoy my own life for the most part. It's not easy, but there are many amazing moments. Makes me often wonder whether or not I care about being here. I tell myself that I make more positive than negative in this world, so that makes my life worth it and so I should be here. I hope that you and mommy are part of the positive I make. I also hope that you are more positive than negative in your life too.

Happy Birthday E

Happy Thursday Vinh. Welp, I still can’t insert pictures from my phone. I guess I’ll insert the picture later. I’m caught up enough on work right now, but I can’t stop thinking I could do more. I heard this could be an addiction to stress? I don’t think so, but who knows. 

I hope you grow up to be a good kid. I hope know one takes advantage of you. I hope that if anyone tries, you stand up for yourself. I also hope you don’t take advantage of others. Life is hard to balance, but I pray you find a good one. I can’t wait for Uncle Peter to get back anymore so I guess I’ll take off early today. I wish I could get ahead so I can feel better when we’re on “vacation” next weekend…

Pretty Good

Imagine this is an ambulance. That's what you got at Dollar Tree today. Because you did a good enough job at swimming today. I even called Dollar Tree to make sure they're going to be open for you once we were done.

You even did good in the bath today and I think you ate some blueberries. I wanted to get you strawberries, but we have to finish the fruits we have at home already. Sorry daddy is currently having game night with his friends and can't talk to you, but I am blogging. I'm very proud of you. I hope you can keep this motivation. We are probably going to Kovars tomorrow. Mommy is taking you to school tomorrow too. Please don't make her late. I'll see you in a bit.

Very Good

But not great. Which is totally okay. Just means you can do better and should do better. That's how I would grade your effort today at Kovars. Here's what I designed for your tie dye shirt. We just need to find a shirt to put it on?

Tomorrow you have your 3rd swimming lesson of this session. Sadly, or maybe not, there's only (4) sessions total. You didn't do good the first 2 sessions. I think/hope it's because of the new teacher and your short time away. I hope your enthusiasm and improvement from Kovars will transfer over to swimming tomorrow. I'll try the pep talk and bribe too.

Be Prepared

I didn't take care of my teeth for most of my life. I blame it on being poor growing up and also not being aware when I was in college. I didn't start taking it seriously until I started working. By that time, a lot of damage was done. I spent (5) years filling cavities and fixing the health of my teeth. Then I got braces. For the last few years things were good. But the past finally caught up and I had to have a tooth removed.

This is a good example of why it's better to be prepared and do what you're supposed to do when you're young so that life is better when you're old. It goes the same with eating healthier and exercising and having healthy habits in your youth. We try our best, but at some point we'll need your help too. Remember, it's for you...

Super Sunday - "Beach" Adventure

We made it to the Sac State Aquatic Center. Too bad we had to leave and make our way across the river to the Folsom Lake park and pay $10 for parking. I don't think our State park pass would cover parking...At least you spent an hour there and got in the water. Don't worry, we'll be going to a real beach soon. Wonder how much beach toys will cost there. Don't think we'll be packing toys...

You got some treats today. You went to My Gym. You did okay at church. Except when you cried outside. Good thing it didn't embarrass us. Although, I hope no one thinks we're bad parents. You were just overreacting about not wanting to go to My Gym. You got gummies today. You got avocado drink. You even had some mango drink. Sorry there's no more crunchy squid. It's probably not good to each too much deep fried stuff. Anyhow, it's back to So tomorrow. You wanted to go today lol. We saw Clarissa. Sorry you miss her. But you got other girls at So :)

Belated Birthday

Someone woke up cranky. Then got super happy when they found out that they we going out with their Godparents. This was after your JJ classes. Good job showing up and being a gracious losser. You got a purple belt now. 

Bac Minh and Uncle Art were very kind and gracious to take you out tonight. I hope they really enjoy your time like they say they do. You're a pretty cool kid when you're not whining and overreacting. Sorry we're going to have to wake you up early to go to church tomorrow. Please sleep fast tonight. (spoiler, you slept slow and mommy had to sleep by herself so she could get some rest). If all goes well, we'll be going to the beach tomorrow...

Details...

They say the devil is into them. I say, they're important because you need to know as much information as possible, to make the best decisions. When I go golfing and I find myself waiting every hole for the group in front of me, it would be easy to blame them. But I've learned that I need to look at the group in front of them to see if they're slow too. That's the way it is with life. It's easy to remember the bad things someone does and forget all the good things, but you can't do that because you're only seeing part of the picture.

If the grass told a story, it would say that the lion is the hero because it stopped the antelope who was eating the grass. But the antelope wouldn't think that. So before you make decisions or opinions of things, make sure you have enough information. Sometimes too much information is bad, but mostly more is better than less. P.S. we're going to Costco and asian store after So. I need drugs for my teeth (going to have one extracted on Monday). This is why it's important that you take care of your teeth. Learn from others' mistakes instead of making your own.

You Can Do It!

Yes you can sir. Yes you can. You didn't watch yesterday. You didn't watch today. See? I told you! I know it's not something you're used to, but you can do it. It's the same with a lot of things. You may not want to do it or you may be scared, but you can do it if you try. Mommy and daddy would never put you in danger. You just need to push beyond your fears. That's where the growth happens.

I was chatting with your Uncle John today (Team Janessa). I need to find a way to communicate with you while you keep maturing and learning. It's frustrating because I know how smart you are. Especially when you do things that aren't so smart. We'll let you watch a little bit tonight, but just know you don't need to. Too bad mommy slept with you last night. You can sleep alone too...

Daddy Is Not Happy

With your behavior...I don't have a photo of me smacking you. I do have a photo of Jasmine. She doesn't seem that impressed with you. She seemed pretty impressed with Noah 2.0 and another boy today...

Anyhow, back to the matter at hand. I did not appreciate your behavior at swimming class today. It's been a few hours so I've calmed down, but I'm still not happy. We need to have a talk. I hope you understand. Otherwise, we have to repeat this again next week.

I think you understand because you didn't make a fuss when I gave you a bath. I feel a little bad that you flinch in fear, but at least you understand. Although, it's more important that you understand what you did wrong not just the fear. You shouldn't be afraid if you didn't do anything wrong. I'm just so frustrated right now. You're better than this. You can do better than this. Self sabotage is not a Nguyen trait. Stop it. No more "I can't". Only "I will try" and "I can"...

Happy Birthday Uncle Lemon

Happy anniversary Team TAHA. August 11th is a popular day for stuff. Ong and Ba had doctors appointments. Mommy made bo kho. Sorry you and mommy are still sick. Soccer is done. Tomorrow, we put our hopes on golf. It'd be great if you enjoyed it a lot. We could hang out together a lot and mommy could have her own time. I do believe that I won't be that lucky. We'll see.

Today at So, you didn't want to give Noah a hug. I don't want you to have to hug everyone, but I think it's important to be nice to people if you can and it doesn't hurt you. You never know how impactful simple kindness can be. Like when you don't yell at mommy, it makes her happy and me happy I don't have to pop you. Anyhow, just some food for thought. Sorry we didn't win the lottery yesterday or today, but we will try to be billionaires tomorrow...

Self Sabotage

Sinks ships. I don't know what to tell you. Unfortunately, it's something you get from your mommy. You tell yourself you can't do things without trying or you don't try. You say learning (10) flash cards is too much, but watching YouTube for (10) minutes isn't a lot. You eat slow, but you complain that daddy eats too slow when you want to go outside and play.

It's like I'm raising two kids. You're really smart buddy. You can do a lot more than you think you can. You have to move past your comfort zone. That's where the growth is. Whether it's working out your muscles or working out your brain. If you don't push yourself a little each time, you're never going to reach your potential. You want to be the winner. Winners find a way. Lossers make excuses and blame others.

Still Rolling

Nothing can stop you. Glad you still enjoy this toy that Aunty Lorraine and Uncle Brandon got you. You're so lucky that you got great hair. Sorry we're gonna have to shampoo you tonight since you got all sweaty at the park today. Aunty Jehan is coming by later. Please be nice to her. You said you don't remember her, but don't tell her that...

Good job eating the soup and noodles today. I can't tell if you're getting better or worse, but it's already back to So tomorrow. It's funny how much you want to go to So. That's good. I hope this doesn't become an issue when it's time to start school. Sorry for all the adjusting you have to do. You're getting good at it (I think). Besides vacations, it should just be one more when you start school. Likely/Hopefully, your classmates will follow you for a long time. I wonder if we should get Noah's information for you...

Participation Trophy

Glad soccer is over. Sorry you couldn't make your last game. I wonder if mommy put the wrong time on purpose. At least you won't risk getting anyone sick. It was kind of a dramatic experience for your mommy as well. Some people can be very cliquey. I hope you choose to think the best of people and aren't too judgmental. I don't want you to be naive, but I also want you to remember that not everyone has the choices and opportunities that you have. I mean who gets fancy donuts on a random Saturday delivered to them?

I heard you did good at jiu jitsu even though you didn't win. That's good to remember that losing is okay. Tomorrow will be the last super hot day for a while. Maybe we can go out to the park after school soon. I hope you feel better. We got you some soup. I hope you don't get an ear infection...

Casa Rosauro with Uncle TJ and Aunty Joann

Whatcha doing buddy? Parallel playing? You didn't eat good dinner. I'm sorry. I wonder if you were too busy playing. I would assume if the other kids were eating, you'd eat too, but I guess not. I'm sure, one meal won't kill you, but it's not a good thing and it can't be a habit when we're not around. 

Anyhow, I'm sorry Emma can't come live with you. I wonder how you'll feel about having a younger sibling instead of an older one. Fingers crossed that we can give you one. Healthy sibling. That you'll be able to have a good bond with. It's kinda pointless if you guys are best buds who will take care of each other. Anyhow, it's the weekend. I hope you feel better. I hope you don't get others sick. Tomorrow is your last day of soccer. Woohoo!!!

Embers

Looks like some work fires are back on. They didn't fully go out. That's life. All we can do is keep moving forward. Occasionally, you'll take steps backwards, but you can let that stop you. That's also why it's important to do things as soon as you can because you don't know what is going to come up that will take your attention away.

Procrastination is good in helping you focus. If you're smart, you'll pretend that you're procrastinating even when you have plenty of time. Just try not to get addicted to stress. That's not a good thing to be addicted to. Good job being nice to Bac Trie today. Too bad you didn't take a picture of her with your camera. 

Bad Swimming Today

You could drown some day if you keep this up. Everyone gets a bad moment, but we can let this become a bad routine. We're not sure what to do. I don't believe that gentle parenting works, but it seems like the tide of opinion has not moved as fast as my thoughts. Mommy seems to sway back and forth and I'm sure you're experiencing confusing and whiplash. Just know, we have good intentions, but I'm assuming you care about good results (Team Dad).

Anyhow, look what AI made for you. AI is very patient. I heard AI is getting super smart though. I'm kinda scared for you. We chatted in the car on the way to So today about how we want you to be able to take care of yourself. Learning to swim and defend yourself are critical. I know you don't like it, but it's something you gotta do. You'll thank us later, I'm sure. Noah and you were so cute at daycare today. He gave you a hug before you left. He made you shake is hand. Then he made you pinky promise. I wonder if we should find out who his parents are so you can hang out...

Onto the Next "Fire" (Problem)

I probably should have used this photo for yesterday's blog post. I didn't take any cool photos at Tesla today. This is a blast from the past. Origins of your mommy and daddy meeting. The times before Uncle Tao had a stroke. Before Uncle Kiem did as well. But also before you. So I guess it wasn't the goodest of times, but they were pretty good. I could hit my golf irons back then...

The current times seem stressful. Especially as of late. But I imagine, when I look back at these times, they will appear good as well. So I have to remind myself to take a breath/break and take in the present before it becomes the past. Although, I'll be super happy when you can wipe your own booty and communicate your feelings without yelling or melting down. I'm assuming that will change at some point...*pray*

Back To So Night

Someday it will be back to school. But today, it was back to So. Looks like you never left. I'm glad you seem to be transitioning well. Sorry that things keep changing. You shouldn't have to worry about that for another 11 months. Except for the vacations and holidays...

Enjoy it while you can. I wish you could realize how to appreciate the moment. You seem to already understand memories of the past (you have a great memory). The times you're in are often the good times. Sadly, you often on realize that when they're in the past. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Cherish the present. Try to be nice to people so they don't have a bad impression of you if it's their last impression of you. 

San Jose Trip

I don't look forward to our family relative trips to San Jose, but I understand the importance to your mom and her family. That's often what we have to do in life. Fortunately, this was a good trip. Except the AC issues and charging issues with the Tesla. Sorry about that. Also sorry that we couldn't get home any sooner and that I couldn't sleep with you because I had to charge the Tesla.

But look at the surprise of people we saw at the party. Your cousins (all of them pretty much) were so nice to you. Your aunties and uncles and Ba and Ong were nice too. Thanks for being okay and not too bad. I'm sorry I had to spank you when we got home, but you need to stop yelling. You are entitled to feel how you feel, but you can't act how you act as a result. Please work on that.

Birthdays

Today is the beginning of the month of my birthday. It's also the end of the month of your birthday. I don't call it a birthday month because I don't believe it's necessary to celebrate it for a month like some people. But I thought about it as I got a bunch of emails for things that I can "get" this month or on my birthday. Which makes me wonder if we should sign you up for everything. I mean you already have an email account and also a Southwest Rapid Rewards?

Anywho, we're going to celebrate Uncle Truong's birthday today. His birthday is July 30. I went rafting that day remember? Don't worry, you never have to get me anything for my birthday or anyone's birthday (except maybe your mom and your partner). What I hope you do is make it your own priority to do special things for people who are special to you. How you spend your resources (time, money, energy) is a reflection of what's important to you. Which reminds me, maybe I should make myself more important to me, cause I sure do spend a lot of time, energy and money and you and mommy (you guys are both still sleeping and you went to bed before I did...)